Guadalupe Peak, aka Signal Peak, and El Capitan. (original) (raw)

The highest point in Texas is Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet above sea level. (31�53' N, 104�52' W).

Nearby El Capitan, just slightly less tall at 8, 085 feet, is the southernmost promontory of the Guadalupe Mountain chain. (31�53' N, 104�51' W)

Both are in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, three miles SW of Pine Springs.

The formations date from the Permian period of geologic time - 250 million years ago when this area was a vast tropical ocean. Marine life from sponges, bi-valves, even microscopic algae make up the matrix of the chain.

Photographer-at-large

Barclay Gibson has, on his many trips through West Texas, paused to photograph the peak in various seasons and from various vantage points. Taken together, these photos demonstrate the awe and majesty that certain geologic features project. It's one of Texas' most well-known features, but also one of it's least seen.

Note: Signal Peak should not be confused with Signal Mountain - a plateau near Big Spring.

Signal Peak reflected in a mountain lake Photos courtesy Barclay Gibson, May 2004

A view of El Capitan from Guadalupe Peak, May 2004 "Hiking from Guadalupe Peak to El Capitan is a challenge. I've done it once. No trail, just tall grass. The wind made every rustle sound like a rattlesnake." - BG

Forum:

The Mayor of Guadalupe Pass

Dear Texas Escapes, I am elated to find your magazine and your article on Guadalupe Pass. I was once called the Mayor of Guadalupe Pass. This may seem strange but it's true. I lived two miles South of Guadalupe Pass for several years. I also lived at Salt Flat, Texas and taught (other) young men to fly from the Salt Flat Intermediate Landing Field. I climbed to the top of Guadalupe Pass long before it became a National Park and I fell in love with the entire area. This was back in 1948 and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I flew by (and around?) El Capitan for many years en route from Midland to El Paso. My good friend Bertha Glover and her husband owned the Pine Spings Cafe.... Mrs.Glover received a letter one day from a lady in Fort Worth, addressed to "The Mayor at Guadalupe Pass." Mrs. Glover designated me to be the Official Mayor because she said she had that "authority." I did answer the letter as I figured a Mayor from Guadalupe Pass would. I have both of these letters in my files and will try to send them in when they are found. You are doing a superb service. There is a lot of lost Texas History and [only] a few of us Ol' timers still around. I might as well "fess up" - I was 86 years old in November this year. - Sincerely, David Finnell, Hurst, Texas, The Former Mayor of Guadalupe Peak, December 8, 2007